Kingston Dub Club: Why You Should Go

There’s only one way to listen to dub, and that’s from a legendary sound system in the expert hands of one of Jamaica’s foremost practitioners. Head to Kingston Dub Club for a rare authentic musical experience. Gabre is dedicated to his art and has spent 25 years honing his skills. The sound system has toured the UK, Israel and Japan and is streamed live on Sunday nights 8pm to 2am.

There is an integrity and purity to Gabre’s craft that never fails catch hold of the inner spirit. An evening at the club can be a spiritual experience for some, or an opportunity to rock out for others. Raised by Rastafarians and mentored by musical legends such as Augustus Pablo, Gabre’s early influences are evident every Sunday night. If you have a soul, then give it some nourishment at Kingston Dub Club.

This is a popular venue and often has an eclectic crowd – old and young, local and international. The one thing everyone has in common is the music. There are few experiences more rewarding than spending time with some like-minded people blissing out to some world class music. Throw in the well-stocked bar and the ital food that’s on offer, and this place is hard to beat. Remember: strictly rockers, no slackers!

Kingston Dub Club has commanding views from atop Jack’s Hill across Kingston and out into the Harbour. After sunset, the city is laid out before you in a sea of twinkling lights – in fact it’s worth the trip up the hill just for the view. The club sits just high enough to be a few degrees cooler than the city below, and the mountain air is notably cleaner. It is somewhat fitting that the natural environment in which the club sits should itself have a calming, uplifting effect.

Operated by Rastafarians and firmly promoting the virtues of Rastafarianism, Kingston Dub Club is a great place to observe some of the key aspects of this global movement. The prominent rasta colors of red, black, green and gold, heavy with meaning, decorate the venue. Various depictions of Emperor Haile Selassie and the lion of Judah (one and the same) can be found on the walls. The club also serves ital food, the specific diet of the rastas, a wholesome and healthy way to increase your livity or life energy.